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A while back I posted about sustainability expert Annie Leonard and her video entitled ‘The Story of Stuff’. Just to jog your memory, it was a video about the impact consumerism is having on the world and the people who inhabit it. The movie was so popular that it went from being just a movie to a whole movement. Well, Annie and her team have been at it again. This time they have looked at the solution to how we might reduce the impact we are having on our planet.

I’ve watched my nana get older (she’s now 94) and struggle with retaining her independence. My mum had a hard time getting her to move into a nursing home when she was no longer capable of living in her own home. She was in her 90’s no less. So, I can understand that if you had a debilitating disease, or disability, you would always be fighting to maintain your independence. That is why it is great to see designers using their skills to help people continue with their normal lives, for as long as possible.

I work in an office of about 90% guys. This means that every lunchtime the topic of conversation is cars, cars and just a little more on cars. As I have about as much interest in cars, as I do in the nocturnal habits of blowflies, I generally tune out of these conversations. Read More

So, to follow on with my unintentional architecturally themed posts of recent, I though I’d write this one about the latest ‘craze’ of printing your own self build home. Huh, you may well ask. Well, it does sound a bit bizarre I must admit. Like something out of the future. But that future is actually here. It is now possible to develop your own 3D CAD files, or even download existing designs, that can then be used to print the 2D structure of your new home.

Shelter is a basic need that is fundamental to human existence. It provides a haven from the less desirable weather elements, as well as safety and security. But not everyone is lucky enough to have a place to call home. This may be the result of poverty, natural disasters or conflict. Whatever the reason, homelessness leaves people displaced and vulnerable. Therefore organisations, such as Architecture for Humanity, are worthy recipients of our admiration and support.

The Victorian Government has alluded to the fact that they are interested in upgrading Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station. Although no budget has been allocated, or likely to be in the near future, they held an international design competition to explore the possibilities.

Who are we?

We're a bunch of like-minded industrial designers + engineers who congregate each work day at Cobalt Design in Melbourne, Australia. We have developed this blog because we believe that designers have a social responsibility to improve the world that we live in. Through this blog we aim to chronicle our thoughts on the topic, bring you the latest news and oggle over design that we feel is creating a better world. We hope you enjoy.

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